Influenza (the

"flu") is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. Influenza

is easily passed from person to person. The virus is primarily spread

with infected persons or contaminated surfaces.

Annually, in

the United States this viral infection affects 10-20 percent of the population,

more than 110,000 people are hospitalized and 20,000 people die of influenza

and its complications. Complications of influenza include pneumonia, worsening

of chronic medical conditions (i.e.. asthma, congestive heart failure,

or diabetes) and death. Much of the illness and death caused by influenza

can be prevented by annual Flu vaccination.

Symptoms

The signs and

symptoms of the flu may include a fever that may last three to four days,

chills, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, weakness, extreme exhaustion,

runny nose, sneezing, sore or dry throat, cough and laryngitis. These

symptoms may last several days or a week or more; complete recovery is

usual. However, complications may lead to pneumonia or death in some people.

Population

at risk

Beginning in

2000, all persons aged 50 to 64 years were added to the groups recommended

for annual vaccination. Additional persons for whom influenza vaccine

is recommended are; health-care workers, people who provide important

community services, the elderly and people with chronic illness (i.e.

diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, lung disease or respiratory

disorders) and people who live with or take care of those in these high

risk groups. Students or persons in institutional settings (e.g. those

who reside in dormitories, or student housing) should be encouraged to

receive the vaccine to minimize the disruption of routine activities.

Epidemic

months

In the United

States, flu epidemics occur in the months between November and May, especially

in temperate zones. Therefore, the best time to receive an influenza vaccine

is during the months of October, November, and December. You can receive

the vaccine until February or March.

Vaccine

and side effects

The flu vaccine

contains a highly purified, safe and potent mixture of trivalent vaccine

of prevalent viral strains (usually type A and type B). This vaccine will

not give you the flu because the vaccine is made of killed viruses. The

vaccine is made from viruses selected by the office of Biologics, Food

and Drug Administration, and the Public Health Services. The side effects

of the flu vaccine are generally mild in adults and occur at low frequency.

These side effects may include tenderness at the injection site, fever,

chills, headache or muscle aches. These symptoms may last up to 48 hours.

Individuals

who are allergic to eggs, chickens, chicken feathers, or chicken dander

and thimerosal (mercury products) or have Guillain-Barr Syndrome should

not receive this vaccine until they have consulted with their healthcare

provider. In addition, individuals with a fever should not receive this

vaccine.

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